DETECTIVES are hunting an armed robber who forced a terrified bank cashier to hand over a substantial amount of cash at gunpoint.

The robbery took place at the NatWest Bank on Station Road, Queensferry, at about 2pm on Tuesday.

A man, who had been waiting outside the bank, followed a middle-aged woman into the building before pushing her to one side as he approached the counter, pulling a silver handgun on the cashier.

'We do not know whether the gun was real or a replica,' said Detective Inspector Gwynn Jones of Mold CID. 'He presented this weapon to the lone female member of staff and demanded money.

'The cashier handed over a substantial sum of money and the man walked out to Dundas Street carrying his haul in a Marks & Spencer bag. We do not yet know whether he continued on foot or got into a car to get away.'

CCTV footage from Queensferry Pawnbrokers next door was taken away as it captures Dundas Street and the bank, but the robbery was so calmly executed no neighbouring or adjacent shops knew anything of it until the police arrived.

'Investigations are still ongoing and we are considering the theory this crime may have been executed by a drug addict trying to raise money for more drugs,' added DI Jones.

'We are appealing to anyone who may have seen him leaving the bank or entering Dundas Street around 2pm on Tuesday afternoon.

'He is described as male, in his mid 20's and 5ft 6 or 5ft 7ins. He is slim with a pale, clear complexion and at the time of the incident he was wearing a black baseball cap, possibly Nike, and a black Adidas-style top with white shoulders and oval, gold-framed glasses.

'NatWest Bank is offering a substantial reward for information leading to the capture of this man and if anyone has any information we urge them to contact Mold CID on 01352 707517.'